Tues July 12 9:30am – 12:30pm|Day one will focus on awakening creativity. We will use exercises designed to open our ears to that unerring inner voice, and move us past blocks to honest expression. Students may use one of the exercises explored in class to begin writing a song in their free time on day 1.

Wed July 13 9:30am – 12:30pmOn day two, we will focus on what makes a song powerful, and explore the significance of writing as a tool for deeper connection with oneself and others. We will look at successful works and discuss our own songs in terms of tools like metaphor, melody and rhythm. Students who are open to workshopping their material may bring a song they started on day 1, or a song they wrote before the workshop for the class to hear and discuss. Sensitive souls, fear not — we will create a safe space for artists at their most vulnerable.

Thurs July 14 9:30am – 12:30pmOn day three, we will talk about the business of songwriting. Royalties, publishing companies, synch agents, collection agencies — the ins and outs of making money as a songwriter can be challenging to navigate. Come with questions and take away ideas about how to take your craft and your career to the next level.

Portland, OR-based songwriter Catherine Feeny has been a professional songwriter for ten years. She self-released her debut album in 2003, which garnered an audience in Europe that led to extensive touring abroad. Feeny moved to the U.K. in 2005, where her song “Mr. Blue” received an A-list at the country’s most listened to radio station, BBC Radio 2. After being dropped by record company EMI in 2008, she relocated to the Northwest and in 2013, won the Peace Promotion Prize in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest with the song, “United.” The revolutionary anthem also caught the attention of writer/activist Eve Ensler (The Vagina Monologues), who commissioned Feeny to compose a song for her organization, One Billion Rising. Feeny has shared the stage with acclaimed songwriters The Indigo Girls, Suzanne Vega, John Prine and Wilco. The confessional “Afraid,” from her most recent album (on Fluff & Gravy Records) has received more than 700,000 plays on Spotify. Her songs have been featured in film and TV in Europe and in the U.S.

It is possible to RSVP for just 1 or 2 days of the workshop,

but preference is to sign-up for all 3 due to structure of teachings.

Cost $75 for all three days (preferred) or $30 each day.

Participants should bring their own musical instrument (unless they plan to write for vocal only) and a recording device (phone is OK). Also bring a notebook and a writing instrument, or a laptop for writing and notes. Please bring a snack if needed. Hot tea and coffee provided. Workshop for students ages 16+ (exceptions made for very mature and interested younger teens). All skill levels welcome.